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PHOENIX - Brett Lawrie, the only right-handed hitter in the first eight spots in Team Canada’s batting order, will not play in the World Baseball Classic.

Lawrie ranged to his left Wednesday night against the Cincinnati Reds to field a grounder in the first inning, felt something awkward, then felt it again swinging against Mat Latos and was removed before his next at-bat.

And now, Lawrie has been scratched from the tournament with a mild strain near the 10th rib on his left side.

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said from Florida he was hopeful that Lawrie would be healthy to start opening day.

“It’s tough for me,” Lawrie told reporters at Chase Field. “It’s tough on everybody. This is a situation that doesn’t come around a whole lot and to have it kind of taken away by something so small is frustrating. ”